Dailybloom® for IBS by
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that affects both the small and the large intestine, causing symptoms such as cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhoea or constipation. Although IBS is a common condition, affecting millions of people worldwide, its exact cause remains unknown. However, what is clear is that managing IBS effectively requires more than just treating the symptoms. It needs a holistic approach that addresses diet, exercise, and mental health.
Before we continue, let us understand what IBS exactly is. It is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, which means the symptoms are caused by changes in the functioning of the digestive system rather than any abnormalities in the structural or biochemical composition. The diagnosis of IBS is typically based on the presence of specific symptoms and the exclusion of other conditions. The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but it is believed to be related to a combination of factors, including abnormal gastrointestinal motility, inflammation, and changes in the gut microbiota. On top of this, stress and mental health issues also exacerbate the symptoms.
The unpredictable nature of the symptoms can significantly impact a person’s life. IBS makes it difficult to plan activities, leading to social withdrawal and isolation. Frequent trips to the bathroom can disrupt work and personal life, and chronic pain and discomfort can lead to anxiety and depression. Since the primary cause of the condition is a mystery, treating it for good is not yet possible. However, it can be effectively managed for longer durations with a combination of the right interventions. This integrated approach to managing IBS is crucial for improving quality of life and regaining control over daily activities.
Managing IBS successfully requires a holistic approach that goes beyond just addressing the physical symptoms. An integrated care approach considers the interplay between diet, exercise, and mental health, recognising that each of these factors can influence the others. Here’s how each component contributes to managing IBS:
Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS symptoms. Certain foods can trigger symptoms, while others can help alleviate them. The Low FODMAP diet is often recommended for people with IBS. FODMAPs are a group of short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine, which can lead to increased water content and gas production in the bowel, causing symptoms.
A diet to ease IBS involves eliminating high-FODMAP foods which can trigger the symptoms.
Fructose: Found in fruits like apples, pears, and mangoes.
Lactose: Found in dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt.
Fructans: Found in wheat, garlic, and onions.
Galactans: Found in legumes like beans, lentils, and chickpeas.
Polyols: Found in certain fruits and artificial sweeteners.
In addition to following a Low FODMAP diet, it is also important to:
Eat regular meals: Avoid long gaps between meals and try to have a fixed meal schedule for each day.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help maintain regular bowel movements.
Limit caffeine and alcohol: These can exacerbate symptoms in some people.
Increase fibre gradually: For those struggling with constipation, increasing fibre intake gradually can help manage it. Soluble fibre, found in oats, barley, and psyllium, is often better tolerated than insoluble fibre.
Regular physical activity is beneficial for overall health and can help manage IBS symptoms. Exercise can improve gastrointestinal motility, reduce stress, and enhance mood. The type and intensity of exercise should be tailored to individual preferences and capabilities, but generally, a combination of aerobic exercise, strength training, and flexibility exercises is recommended.
Exercise can help regulate bowel movements and reduce symptoms of constipation.
Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Exercise can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression, which are common in people with IBS.
Regular exercise supports overall physical health, which is important for managing chronic conditions like IBS.
The connection between the gut and the brain, often referred to as the gut-brain axis, plays a significant role in IBS. Stress, anxiety, and depression can exacerbate IBS symptoms, and IBS can also negatively impact mental health. Therefore, addressing mental health is a crucial component of managing IBS.
Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and improve symptoms.
Psychotherapy offers a valuable and often underutilised approach to managing IBS. Psychotherapy can offer substantial relief from IBS symptoms and enhance overall quality of life. If you or someone you know is dealing with IBS, exploring psychotherapy as part of a holistic treatment plan may be beneficial. Be sure to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate approach for your specific needs.
Dailybloom IBS is a program that offers an integrated approach to managing IBS through an app interface, making it easier for you to take control of your symptoms and improve your quality of life. The program is designed as a comprehensive Care Plan that addresses diet, exercise, and mental wellness, ensuring a holistic approach to IBS management.
Dailybloom IBS features a 14-week care plan designed to help you manage your IBS symptoms effectively. The plan is divided into four phases:
Your condition is assessed to create a personalised care plan. You are also introduced to your coaches who will help you through the journey.
Common trigger foods are eliminated from your diet. The app recommends IBS-friendly meals with recipes that can be prepared easily at home with regular ingredients.
The trigger food items are slowly brought back into the diet so that you are not devoid of your favourite food because of your condition.
Lasting habits are built to help you stay on track to manage your IBS effectively even after the care plan ends.
The care plan being an integrated approach, goes beyond just tweaking your diet. It lays equal focus on all three components of managing IBS.
An expert nutritionist creates a personalised meal plan for you keeping in mind your needs and preferences. These meal plans are designed to be both nutritious and enjoyable, making it easier to stick to a healthy diet. It is also a constantly evolving plan, which means it is changed according to new findings. For example, your meal plan is tweaked based on the learnings from the reintroduction phase.
Dailybloom IBS also includes tailored exercise plans that help improve gastrointestinal motility, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. The app provides a variety of workouts, from gentle yoga and stretching routines to more vigorous aerobic exercises, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
Recognising the importance of mental health in managing IBS, Dailybloom IBS offers a range of mental wellness activities. These include mindfulness exercises, guided meditation, and stress management techniques. The app also provides access to cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) resources, helping you develop healthier thought patterns and behaviours. You also have the option to chat with your wellness expert when you are feeling stressed and they can recommend activities to feel better.
Dailybloom IBS makes it easy to implement an integrated care approach. Here’s how the app can help you manage your IBS:
It starts with a detailed assessment to understand your symptoms and triggers. The app uses this information to create a personalised plan for you instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Since diet is one the biggest culprits behind IBS symptoms, it helps you bring in the right dietary changes to see measurable improvement in your condition. The 14-week plan helps you eliminate trigger foods and replace them with safer alternatives with guidance from expert nutritionists.
The app makes it easy and fun to introduce exercises and healthy habits in your daily life. Since these exercises are tailored specifically to your needs and capabilities, it is much easier to follow them in your daily life.
Mental wellness activities provided in the app help you manage stress and improve your mental health, ensuring a holistic approach to IBS management.
Symptoms and progress tracking built into the app help you measure your improvement through a score. You can also keep track of your daily meals which makes it very easy for your doctor and nutritionist to follow along your journey.
Managing IBS successfully requires a comprehensive, integrated approach that addresses diet, exercise, and mental health. Dailybloom IBS provides all the tools and resources you need to manage your IBS symptoms effectively. With its 14-week plan, personalised meal plans, tailored exercise routines, and mental wellness activities, Dailybloom IBS ensures that you have everything you need for successful IBS management.
If you or someone you know is struggling with IBS, consider adopting an integrated care approach with Dailybloom IBS. Download the app today and start your journey towards better health and well-being. With the right support and strategies, managing IBS can become more manageable, leading to a healthier, happier life.
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